Who has the worst contract on the Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in an unfamiliar situation coming into the season as they are a young team that isn’t viewed as a championship contender after trading away franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The good news for the Bucks is that they have a healthy cap sheet after the past two seasons, which has seen them waive and stretch the contract of Damian Lillard and then trade Giannis.
The team has $10 million in tax space, $13 million in first apron space, and $26 million in second apron space.
They can have as much as $58 million in cap space next offseason.
With that said, which contracts are they potentially regretting right now?
Jaime Jaquez Jr - One year left at $5.9 million, potential restricted free agent
This is a good problem to have for the Bucks as the contract isn’t bad, but Jaquez could end up making $22 to $25 million as an unrestricted free agent next offseason. He finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, and could see an increased role on the Bucks with his all-around talent.
If he plays as well as many think he will, restricted free agent negotiations could end up costing Milwaukee if they don’t opt to work out a trade.
Kyle Kuzma - One year left at $20.4 million, potential unrestricted free agent
Kuzma is on an expiring deal, but the Bucks could find a potential trade partner at only $20 million. It’s possible the Bucks value another player on a more long-term contract, and a team in a tough cap situation might be thrilled at the idea of acquiring an expiring deal.
Even if they don’t trade him, they could open up the cap space in the offseason if he isn’t re-signed.
Tyler Herro - One year left at $33 million, potential unrestricted free agent
He’s in a similar position to Kuzma, though his contract will be tougher to move at $33 million.
Herro has been in trade rumors for years as a member of the Heat, and while he could play himself into a bigger or similar contract, Milwaukee might feel more comfortable moving him. Worst-case scenario is he does leave, and more cap space is opened up.
Gary Trent - Four years left at $16 million annually
Trent got a raise despite putting up worse numbers than the prior season and having to contend with AJ Green and Brayden Burries at the shooting guard position, both of whom may end up having more value.
Myles Turner - Two years left at $27 million annually, player option on year three
The Bucks committed to Turner in hopes of remaining competitive and getting Giannis to stay last offseason.
Now they have Ke’el Ware at the position and Turner’s contract looks even worse for the value he provides. Milwaukee is likely stuck with this contract for at least this season and given the situation of the team and Turner’s role, it’s one of the worst contracts in the league.
